Originally Posted by SteveDavid (Post 3548203)

Over the past few days we've lost three really fine people in Offshore racing accidents in Key West. While we mourn their loss, I can't help but believe these tragedies might have been preventable. Racing always involves a risk, yet over the years, groups like UIM and APBA with the insight of Bob Wartinger, Ron Jones Sr, Jeff Neff, George Linder, Dave Vilwock, Mike Hanson, Scott Raney, Rich Luhrs... and others, we've developed safety standards in at least the Unlimited Hydroplane category that have been tested thru well over 100 accidents over 150 MPH. My crash in July was a direct T bone at over 100 MPH and both Dave Vilwock and I walked away. J.W Meyers hit the wall at Detroit at over 100 MPH and receievd a broken foot, and is back racing with us. These designs work. They are snug, with a top hatch and a bottom hatch. there is little room for extremity acceleration in a crash, we have HANS devices to protect our necks, full time air, multiple point harnesses, etc. The canopies used in Offshore racing face different loads and in my opinion, after 40 years of racing, aren't sufficient to meet the current speeds. They are too large, too much flat surface, and not enough structural support. We can do better, there are people in place that can make it better. As we mourn Bob, Jeff and Joey, let their deaths put a new emphasis on consolidating the safety expertise that is available and doing everything humanly possible to prevent future tragedies. Saying "it's just racing" or they "died doing what they loved" just doesn't cut it. I was with Joey Gratton and his kids in San Diego just 7 weeks ago, they didn't come any more professional, any more loving, any more of being the best at what he did. God, please take care of Joey and hold his family in your palm.

Originally Posted by MikeyFIN (Post 3548259)

Back in 2009 I was personally stumped at the fact that The Victory Team didn't use full air masks, full face helmets with Hans- aid but only equipment familiar in the lower UIM 3C outboard class. I've contemplated on the idea personally to Hans and full air become mandatory even in the UIM 3B/C classes especially after we lost a dear friend and fellow racer, Ian Stirling, the summer of 2010 at the 3C Europeans running an open boat despite him wanting to get into a canopied boat. During the winter 2010 we talked a lot about the safety issues with him as we both felt the risks was getting questionable for even the organizers of our beloved sport.
Our Canopies since 2010 are mandatory and snug in UIM 3C, somewhat like the Unlimited Hydros and their record speaks for themselves so it definitely is a worthwhile place to take advice from, for the future of the sport.

Take notice that I'm not stating these precautions would've saved anyone in KW as I do not know the details but I do not see these measures as anything but positive actions to make our sport safer. Anyone can use them even today without being forced to do so.

Originally Posted by no limits (Post 3548281)

I have an old single engine 3 man A class style boat. Primarly used for fun. However, boat doesn't have kill switch and also looking for a good jacket.

Originally Posted by ndaniels (Post 3548295)

As far as the automatic vests go, the hydrostatic Mustangs only inflate if submerged more than 4 inches in water- eliminating the chances of inflation due to getting splashed. Comfortable added protection and we wear them religiously while underway.

Back to the original poster question, I think he's looking for a top of the line high speed vest, not the auto inflates.